Develop Bugs

where do apps install to?

hello, I'm rooted and I wanted to change a few of my icons so they are changed in the app drawer. on my ipod touch I used iFile to find the app's folder and overwrite the icon.png, I tried to use Root Explorer to do this but I can't figure out where the apps install to. Could anyone give me a hint? thanks in advance.

12gage said:
hello, I'm rooted and I wanted to change a few of my icons so they are changed in the app drawer. on my ipod touch I used iFile to find the app's folder and overwrite the icon.png, I tried to use Root Explorer to do this but I can't figure out where the apps install to. Could anyone give me a hint? thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
System apps would be /system/app
User apps would be /data/app

thank you, sorry for the ignorant reply but all I found were apk's. the apps don't unpack files into a directory when installed? they stay and run from an apk on your phone?

12gage said:
thank you, sorry for the ignorant reply but all I found were apk's. the apps don't unpack files into a directory when installed? they stay and run from an apk on your phone?
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Click to collapse
Yes, and the data from them is stored in /data/data/

freeza said:
Yes, and the data from them is stored in /data/data/
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Click to collapse
thank you, so if I don't see the icon files in data/data then I'm screwed as far as being able to change it?

Iirc here are the general steps.
Search to get the exact syntax.
Make a copy of the apk.
Rename the copy suffix to .zip from . apk
Extract the image stuff and replace it.
Repack the zip.
Rename it to apk

/system/app/ or sometimes /data/app/ if you modify an app you have to sign it again or the phone won't recognize it
EDIT: Use ninjamorph and just drag and drop the pings in there and here is myn's method of signing
myn's post
ninjamorph thread

[Q] Fresh EVO 3.5 FM Radio

Hello all! I rooted my EVO last month, and am running the Fresh EVO 3.5 ROM. The developer removed many of the OEM "apps" including the FM radio. (I use quotes, because things like the FM radio aren't just apps... it's part of the functionality of the phone, and without it, you're removing a capability of the phone.)
In order to get it back, I tried installing from the SD card where he stored all the removed apps, which the developer himself says wouldn't work. No surprise, it didn't work. "Application not installed"
I moved it to system/app and tried to install, whence I'm again told "Application not installed."
Downloaded the .apk (found by searching some forums), moved it into system/app and tried installing it with the same result ("Application not installed").
Tried using "AppInstaller" on the .apk, same result.
I'm frustrated that this ROM, while great in every other respect, has killed some of the functionality of my phone. If someone could help me get the FM radio back, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

Try flashing this file from your recovery the same way you installed the Fresh ROM. It will install the HTC FM Radio app in your system/app. Without a zip file like this you would normally need to use an application like Root Explorer.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3000044/FM_Radio-FreshEvo-3.5.0.1-02142011.zip
P.S. Even though this is the app section its more for developing and modifying apps. In the future you should post basic questions like this in the Q&A section.

Thanks for the help and advice.
Your .zip did install the FM radio and widget files to the system/app folder, but they still will not install. I get the same message as I did before.
Also, I have Root Explorer - that's how I moved the .apk to the system/app folder in my original attempt.

I posted a tweaked apk in flipz's thread a few month's back that should install for you, by flashing from recovery. You can give it a shot as well.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9989719&postcount=7252

here you go, just flash

I guess I am not sure what issue you are having. I am running Fresh with out FM radio installed. I was able to use root explorer to move the file to system/app, then set the permissions, and reboot and once I was back into the launcher I was able to use the HTC radio app which was not there before. After doing that I restored my backup to before having the radio app installed and tried again using the zip file I supplied, rebooted, and I was able to use the app.

^ And for some reason, I was not able to do the same. The file was in system/app, but it would not install.
Toxin715 - Worked beautifully! Thank you!
Out of curiosity, do you have anything similar for the radio widget? I get the "Application not installed" error with that, as well... it's not as big of a deal, though.

Mathman85 said:
The file was in system/app, but it would not install.
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Click to collapse
If you have moved the apk to /system/app on your phone you do not need to install it, just reboot.

Mathman85 said:
^ And for some reason, I was not able to do the same. The file was in system/app, but it would not install.
Toxin715 - Worked beautifully! Thank you!
Out of curiosity, do you have anything similar for the radio widget? I get the "Application not installed" error with that, as well... it's not as big of a deal, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, glad to help. Um you also need the widget?

Toxin715 said:
No problem, glad to help. Um you also need the widget?
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Click to collapse
Lol, that's my zip...

brandenk said:
If you have moved the apk to /system/app on your phone you do not need to install it, just reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that had been the case, I would've never bothered trying to install it, because "FM Radio" would've shown up in my apps and I'd have been happy to post that the issue was resolved. After rebooting when I had moved it to system/app with Root Explorer, it was not in my apps list, so I tried to install it (to no avail). Even after flashing the .zip you posted (after which I had to reboot to get out of recovery), it was in system/app, but not in my apps list; when I clicked on it in Root Explorer, I was given the "Application not installed" error. Even after flashing the .zip that Toxin715 and JsChiSurf posted, it was in system/app, but not in my apps list - the difference here was that when I went into Root Explorer and clicked on it, it let me install it, so now that issue is resolved.
Similarly, the widget is in system/app, but I assure you that I am not able to use the widget (I was going to post screen shots, but since I'm a n00b, the forum won't let me).
Toxin715 - Yes, if you could provide insight (or a .zip) for the widget, I'd be extremely grateful.
JsChiSurf - Thank you! I now see that it's your .zip, I just happened to try it directly from what Toxin715 had posted, so I didn't realize it at the time. Out of curiosity, what made your .zip any different from the others that I've tried and had no success with?
And open question to all who are reading - why would the app not show in my apps list if it is installed in system/app? Could something have gone wrong during the install of my ROM that perhaps a re-flash might correct?

Here's what I did to get it to work (using Root Explorer):
1) Copied HTCFMRadio.apk from fresh-removed-apks folder on my SD card
2) Navigated to system/app folder and clicked on "Mount R/W" button to make folder writable.
3) Pasted HTCFMRadio.app file in the system/app folder
4) Modified the permissions to match the other apps (rw-r--r--)
5) Rebooted the phone
That worked perfectly for me. I didn't modify the permissions at first and wasn't able to view the app in my app drawer. After I modified the permissions and rebooted, the app showed up as installed and worked perfectly.

How to get an APK file form different ROM to work

I like to try similar apps side by side.
For example, I would like to try different camera apps in my phone.
How can I use an apk file of camera extracted from a different ROM and install in my current ROM without removing the stock app.
I tried to push an apk from another ROM to the /system/app folder with appropriate permissions. This did not work. I got an FC.
Is there a way I can accomplish this without much changes?

You have to push it to that folder, but also set the permissions. This is also depending on if it's not tied into the framework. I'm on my phone so I can't dig around right now.
Edit: after changing permissions to 644, reboot.

PonsAsinorem said:
You have to push it to that folder, but also set the permissions. This is also depending on if it's not tied into the framework. I'm on my phone so I can't dig around right now.
Edit: after changing permissions to 644, reboot.
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Click to collapse
thanks for your advice.
What I am trying to do is make an apk I can push or install which would act like an independent application so that I can still keep the stock application.

meazz1 said:
thanks for your advice.
What I am trying to do is make an apk I can push or install which would act like an independent application so that I can still keep the stock application.
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As long as they're not named the same, so that you're new one won't overwrite the original. You can have multiple apps in the app drawer with the same name. Make a nandroid and give it a shot.

PonsAsinorem said:
As long as they're not named the same, so that you're new one won't overwrite the original. You can have multiple apps in the app drawer with the same name. Make a nandroid and give it a shot.
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Click to collapse
what name are you referring to? Is it the "camera.apk" or "HTCCamera.apk" name or something within the .apk file.
can you give me a hint?

meazz1 said:
what name are you referring to? Is it the "camera.apk" or "HTCCamera.apk" name or something within the .apk file.
can you give me a hint?
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Click to collapse
The .apk name that gets pushed to the system app folder. Example, I run CM7. There is an app called Camera.apk which I don't really like, so I push MiuiCamera.apk to that folder, set the permissions and reboot. Now in my app drawer, there are two Cameras with different icons, (I usually wind up removing the stock Camera.apk).
If the new camera I used was named Camera.apk as well, it would just overwrite the original camera, replacing it, which is something you said you didn't want.

Most needed files & folders from 98.30.1

I started this for several reasons.
1) For those who have deleted some system/app(s) & want to manually restore to get ready for the KK ota.
2) /persist dilemma. It is only on our phone yet both recoveries allow you to format it but do not back it up!!!! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48941876&postcount=2061
3) /firmware Also not backed up. Both recoveries format it. But Rsd lite will restore it.
I put some very obscure folders here & they may never be needed! DO NOT GO & restore these just because I attached them! If it ain't broke don't fix it!
Get the full zip here http://batakang.com/ftp/?dir=devs/mhous33/XT907/98.30.1
It is the largest one there!
You can extract even a single system/app with Explorer free & paste it with es file to get OTA ready
But some /partitions are only on the phone. Some are created on boot
1 folder not ANYWHERE BUT ON YOUR PHONE is /persist.
Persist permissions are here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2589790
Some wonder why Vzw does not want us rooting?
/Firmware is in the xml/fxz.
/System/app
/Vendor
/Firmware
/System/media.... stock boot animation/Dst animation.
Use Rom Manager fix perms for now. It has never failed me. Set them to all. Then run RM>fix permissions & reboot.
Permissions & ownership need to be set before use.
Rom Manager fix permissions is one good reason to have that app even if it did not WORK on our M, but it does.

Updated op.

So apps from "Data/App" can be deleted and still get the OTA, just don't delete apps from "System/App", is that correct?

VannMann said:
So apps from "Data/App" can be deleted and still get the OTA, just don't delete apps from "System/App", is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got it.

You, Sir, are the greatest. Have been wondering about this. Finally got root, so I deleted the amazon and some verizon apps fron "Data/App". Thanks!!

VannMann said:
You, Sir, are the greatest. Have been wondering about this. Finally got root, so I deleted the amazon and some verizon apps fron "Data/App". Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 things
1)You don't want to "delete" data apps & no need to root to uninstall them. Settings, apps, downloaded, select.... 2)Also the ones you mention sound like system apps?

I deleted them from the Data/App, so they would not be in my app drawer. And all of my system apps are still there, just looked.
Didn't think about disabling them, I got root happy, been to long without it, lol.

aviwdoowks said:
I started this for several reasons.
1) For those who have deleted some system/app(s) & want to manually restore to get ready for the KK ota.
2) /persist dilemma. It is only on our phone yet both recoveries allow you to format it but do not back it up!!!! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48941876&postcount=2061
3) /firmware Also not backed up. Both recoveries format it. But Rsd lite will restore it.
I put some very obscure folders here & they may never be needed! DO NOT GO & restore these just because I attached them! If it ain't broke don't fix it!
Get the full zip here http://batakang.com/ftp/?dir=devs/mhous33/XT907/98.30.1
It is the largest one there!
You can extract even a single system/app with Explorer free & paste it with es file to get OTA ready
But some /partitions are only on the phone. Some are created on boot
1 folder not ANYWHERE BUT ON YOUR PHONE is /persist.
Persist permissions are here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2589790
Some wonder why Vzw does not want us rooting?
/Firmware is in the xml/fxz.
/System/app
/Vendor
/Firmware
/System/media.... stock boot animation/Dst animation.
Use Rom Manager fix perms for now. It has never failed me. Set them to all. Then run RM>fix permissions & reboot.
Permissions & ownership need to be set before use.
Rom Manager fix permissions is one good reason to have that app even if it did not WORK on our M, but it does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is there a package with all the system app .apks somewhere in this mess of links lol, sorry for I'm guessing a very obvious question

Delerios said:
So is there a package with all the system app .apks somewhere in this mess of links lol, sorry for I'm guessing a very obvious question
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Click to collapse
Dl #9 systemAPP!!!

Android 6.0, install system apps

Does anyone know if there is a way to install apps manually?
I know in KitKat, you could place .apk's in the /system/app folder, or /data/app folder, restart, and have your apps installed. Just wondering if there's some method to achieve the same outcome in Marshmallow (i.e. Android 6.0).
I have some of the Samsung apps, like snote, that I would like to still use if possible. Any ideas of help are appreciated. Thanks.

palmaswildbill said:
Does anyone know if there is a way to install apps manually?
I know in KitKat, you could place .apk's in the /system/app folder, or /data/app folder, restart, and have your apps installed. Just wondering if there's some method to achieve the same outcome in Marshmallow (i.e. Android 6.0).
I have some of the Samsung apps, like snote, that I would like to still use if possible. Any ideas of help are appreciated. Thanks.
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Click to collapse
You could always try it the same way. Just move the folder and apk files to system/app or system/priv-app and set the permissions like the rest of the folders and apps. The folders should be set to 0755 and the apk files to 0644. Then reboot to test the apps after that. I would recommend doing them one at a time to test them. Where did you get the apps from? It would be good to get a whole 6.0+ based ROM to make sure you put them in the correct path.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

ludeawakening said:
You could always try it the same way. Just move the folder and apk files to system/app or system/priv-app and set the permissions like the rest of the folders and apps. The folders should be set to 0755 and the apk files to 0644. Then reboot to test the apps after that. I would recommend doing them one at a time to test them. Where did you get the apps from? It would be good to get a whole 6.0+ based ROM to make sure you put them in the correct path.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for your reply. Sorry I'm just getting back to this (after like 2 months), wasnt trying to be rude or unappreciative, just been busy.
I had extracted the apps from a couple of other roms, lollipop based. Its basically some of the samsung apps, for the note. Before upgrading to 6.0 I had a stock/rooted kitkat rom. I was used to using SNOTE for note taking, and liked the abiltiy to take 360° photos withe samsung camera surround effect. I realize that most people probably see these as bloatware, but I havent really seen anything comparable.